Louisville woman was shot and killed as family gathered to remember teenage car crash victim

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville woman shared pictures and memories of her teenage son Monday, a 14-year-old boy killed in an early-morning car crash Saturday in Okolona.

Danielle McKune lost her son, Keayland, in what the Jefferson County Coroner's Office called an accident.

"He could light up any room," McKune said Monday. "He was so funny. He was my heart."

Keayland McKune *(Photo provided by Keayland's family)*

According to Louisville Metro Police spokesperson Aaron Ellis, police noticed a vehicle with two occupants that had been reported stolen near the Jefferson County line around 3:50 a.m. Saturday. Police tried to pull over the vehicle, but the driver drove away at a dangerous speed. Police didn't pursue the vehicle and turned off their emergency equipment, according to Ellis. But police then saw sparks about a half mile down the road in the same direction of where the vehicle was going.

Officers later found a vehicle overturned in the 10300 block of National Turnpike in Fairdale. They believe it was the same vehicle that fled from officers.

Keayland, 14, died at the scene, while another teenager was taken to Norton Children's Hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. It's not yet clear who was driving.

McKune said she didn't know why her son was in the car and is in disbelief from the loss.

"It's the only thing a mom can say is 'No, it's not true,'" she said.

The boy's aunt, Mary McKune, said she believes he was trying to "fit in."

"He just wanted to be approved of," she said.

According to the family, several people were gathered near their home on Lipps Lane in Okolona just hours after the crash. They said someone who lives nearby had a gun and was recording the family, telling them to be quiet.

"Once my nephew realized what was going on, he pulled his gun," McKune said.

The family said he feared for their safety and shot a woman.

"He loves his family. He would do anything for his family," Danielle McKune said of her nephew. "He was protecting us and he felt like we were in danger."

LMPD spokesperson Aaron Ellis said police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of Lipps Lane, just off Preston Highway, around 10 a.m. Saturday. When police arrived on scene, they found a woman outside who had been shot. She was taken to the hospital but died a short time later.

Police spokesperson John Bradley said in a written statement Monday that the department's homicide unit is investigating, and the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office will ultimately determine whether it's a justifiable homicide or whether to pursue charges in the case.

Bradley said as of now, there are no arrests. The Commonwealth's Attorney's Office has not responded to a request for comment as of Monday evening.

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Louisville woman was shot and killed as family gathered to remember teenage car crash victim